On Sept. 3, Florida became the first state in the nation to announce its intention to eliminate school vaccination requirements. The consequences for children, teachers, and families are immediate, widespread, and potentially devastating.

But the even larger threat is national. We’re worried that our states could be next.

As health department directors in Dallas, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio, we have seen firsthand in our communities that viruses do not respect borders. The same is true for politics. Florida’s decision breaks a dam that has held for decades, with ramifications that could extend far beyond the Sunshine State. Our nation cannot afford to exacerbate its already deep political divide on vaccinations. Public health leaders must do everything in our power to fight back.

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